In July 2024 Historic England published a new Advice Note (no. 18) about adapting buildings for energy and carbon efficiency. Becket's Chapel is one of the case studies that contributes to this timely and important document.
Historic England worked with Historic Norfolk on the chapel's restoration; a trailblazing project based on the ‘whole-building’ approach to reducing carbon emissions. This approach considers all the factors that affect energy use and building energy efficiency so an optimum solution can be recommended.
The first phase of the project was to save and repair the building using traditional repair methods, combined with measures to reduce dampness and reduce its carbon footprint. Further energy efficiency measures are planned to be implemented in the second phase of the development.
Historic England said, 'As historic buildings continue to change and evolve, they need to contribute to a greener future and be fit for purpose for the people who live in, experience and care for them. If done thoughtfully and carefully, changes to historic buildings can achieve the complementary goals of protecting our heritage and adapting to climate change. Keeping historic buildings in use, through sensitive repair, maintenance and adaptation, can help to reduce carbon emissions, reliance on fossil fuels, and energy costs. '
You can read the Becket's Chapel case study and download the Advice Note by clicking the button below.